The impact of size on small and medium-sized enterprise public sector tendering

This article examines the relationship between firm size and public sector tendering. The findings show that size, measured by employee number, significantly influences small and medium sized enterprises’ (SMEs) tendering resources, behaviour and success; as such, micro-enterprises are resource-disadvantaged, tender less often and have lower success rates compared to small and medium-sized firms. These findings indicate that SMEs are heterogeneous tenderers, and point to the need for more focused research on how SME characteristics influence ability and willingness to tender

The impact of size on small and medium-sized enterprise public sector tendering

This article examines the relationship between firm size and public sector tendering. The findings show that size, measured by employee number, significantly influences small and medium sized enterprises’ (SMEs) tendering resources, behaviour and success; as such, micro-enterprises are resource-disadvantaged, tender less often and have lower success rates compared to small and medium-sized firms. These findings indicate that SMEs are heterogeneous tenderers, and point to the need for more focused research on how SME characteristics influence ability and willingness to tender

Mapping public procurement in Ireland

This study reports on the results of a nationwide survey of public procurement in Ireland, carried out against a backdrop of central government reform initiatives. The survey was designed to address a knowledge deficit among academics, policy makers and practitioners on the form and functioning of public procurement in Ireland. Thus, a mapping of public procurement was undertaken in 2011 in conjunction with the National Procurement Service (NPS) of Ireland. The population of suppliers and public sector procurers registered on Ireland’s national e-procurement portal was requested to participate in this exercise by completing an online questionnaire. This yielded an extensive dataset relevant to understanding the Irish public procurement market. That data was obtained from both suppliers and public sector procurers allows for comparisons to be made across a range of variables, which is a novel addition to research in the public procurement field. The significance of the research and its findings go beyond Ireland. Contemporary issues of international concern, such as the marketplace impacts of migration to e-procurement, initiatives to create a “level playing field” for small and medium-sized (SMEs) enterprises, and the effects of European Union directives, are analysed and their importance discussed. In the next section the policy environment as it pertains to public procurement in Ireland is described. The design of the research is explained in section three and the survey findings are detailed in section four. These findings are subject to further examination and contextualisation in section five

Sustainable public procurement in practice: Case study evidence from Ireland

It is this sustainable procurement concept that serves as the focus for an exploratory case study of a local government authority in Ireland and its attempts to match procurement processes to corporate objectives. In so doing it helps to address the paucity of research on local government procurement in an Irish context. It is reported that maximising value for money and regulatory compliance need not come at the expense of facilitating small indigenous suppliers, supporting local supply chains, improving environmental outcomes and delivering a better public service. Moreover, the findings show that procurement can play a critical role in giving effect to the corporate objectives of local government authorities. The structure of the paper is as follows. Firstly, an analysis of recent policy as it relates to public sector procurement in Ireland is overviewed. The next section charts the expanding role of public procurement as reflected in both academic and policy developments. Findings from the small but growing literature on sustainable public procurement are then discussed. Thereafter, the research methodology will be outlined and the research findings described

Public buying decisions: A framework for buyers and small firms

Purpose The aim of this paper is to explore the factors that influence buyer decision-making in public procurement. The objective is to better understand the processes and conditions that support different supply arrangements, which maximise SME participation. Design/methodology/approach The paper uses case study evidence of contract awards across multiple organisational contexts including: a local authority, commercial semi-state, police force, and a tourist agency. Findings National policy and the role of procurement exerted mixed effects upon the cases. The procurement processes were broadly similar and included cross-functional teams, consideration of trade-offs and market research. Research limitations/implications The paper highlights the transition of public organisations toward strategic procurement including supplier engagement. Practical implications This offers buyers a decision support tool that promotes equal opportunities for SME participation, a key goal of EU procurement. The implications for suppliers of each buying decision are also outlined. The concept of practical rationality is used to support the framework. Originality/value A normative framework of public procurement decision-making is generated from the cases. Buying complexity and supplier engagement are two conditions that support a 2×2 decision framework. The framework extends efficient and central-buying decisions to include adapted and balanced decisions. This range offers buyers a decision support tool that promotes equal opportunities for SME participation, a key goal of EU procurement. The implications for suppliers of each buying decision are discussed

Mapping public procurement in Ireland

This study reports on the results of a nationwide survey of public procurement in Ireland, carried out against a backdrop of central government reform initiatives. The survey was designed to address a knowledge deficit among academics, policy makers and practitioners on the form and functioning of public procurement in Ireland. Thus, a mapping of public procurement was undertaken in 2011 in conjunction with the National Procurement Service (NPS) of Ireland. The population of suppliers and public sector procurers registered on Ireland’s national e-procurement portal was requested to participate in this exercise by completing an online questionnaire. This yielded an extensive dataset relevant to understanding the Irish public procurement market. That data was obtained from both suppliers and public sector procurers allows for comparisons to be made across a range of variables, which is a novel addition to research in the public procurement field. The significance of the research and its findings go beyond Ireland. Contemporary issues of international concern, such as the marketplace impacts of migration to e-procurement, initiatives to create a ‘level playing field’ for small and medium sized (SMEs) enterprises, and the effects of European Union directives, are analysed and their importance discussed. In the next section the policy environment as it pertains to public procurement in Ireland is described. The design of the research is explained in section three and the survey findings are detailed in section four. These findings are subject to further examination and contextualisation in section five